1 police officer killed, another critical after shooting in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Update (1/16): The officer critically wounded in the shooting has been able to sit up an speak, according to Police Chief Patrick Smith. One suspect remains in the hospital, and another was released.

A Birmingham police officer is dead and another is critically wounded while investigating a car burglary.

The officers were responding to the 700 block of 5th Avenue North when they approached two suspects just before 2:00 A.M.

When officers discovered a weapon on one of the suspects, he opened fire, killing one officer and critically injuring the other.

The deceased officer has been identified as Sergeant Wytasha Carter.

Birmingham Police Sergeant Wytasha Carter (photo from BPD)

One 18 year old suspect is in police custody. The other suspect, a 31 year old man, remains at UAB Hospital. His condition was not released. Both we're told are from the local area.

Another officer critically injured in the shooting is "not out of the woods," according to Chief Patrick Smith. That officer has been on the force two years. His name was not released.

In a news conference Sunday evening, Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith says ALEA will head up the investigation which is standard procedure in cases involving police shootings.

Chief Smith says there is possibly a third suspect not in custody. He explains at least part of the shooting was caught on police video. It will be up to ALEA when portions of that are released.

The officers were working on a rash of car break-ins when they spotted the suspects on 5th Avenue North and confronted them. According to the chief, one of the suspects pulled out a gun and started firing. "It appears the officers were taken completely by surprise," explains Chief Smith.

"We want them to know we have their back, they are not grieving alone," remarked Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin at the news conference..

Both said there had been a tremendous outpouring from the community and they thanked everyone for their support.

Video: Body of fallen officer being escorted from hospital to coroner's office: